Oral Health Risks of Multiple Sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a progressive, neurodegenerative disorder of the myelin sheath, in which plaques created on the central nervous system (CNS) alter nerve function.¹ Although the exact cause of MS is unknown, a combination of genetic susceptibility, environmental factors, immune system response and systemic inflammation is suspected.² Progression of MS and new plaque formations cause CNS changes in motor, sensory and cognitive functions, leading each individual to experience symptoms that vary in degree and severity.^2–4

This disorder is categorized according to type and severity of relapse and recovery. About 85% of MS diagnoses are relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS).^1–3 Individuals with RRMS experience symptom flare-ups, followed by periods of improvement in which symptoms appear less severe.1 Relapses occur over a 24-hour to 96-hour period, last for days to weeks, and gradually resolve.5 Approximately 50% of relapses cause permanent damage to the CNS.¹ As RRMS progresses and damage to the CNS becomes permanent, the disease can develop into secondary progressive MS.¹ For most individuals with MS, disease progression is a gradual process.³ Primary progressive (PPMS) and progressive- relapsing (PRMS) are rare and serious forms of MS in which onset is sudden and the neurological effects significant.1 Medications successful in reducing inflammation and preventing further nerve damage in RRMS are not beneficial for PPMS or PRMS.¹

Although anyone can be affected, MS most frequently occurs in white women ages 20 to 45.^1,2 Contributors to MS development and relapse include infection, inflammation, presence of immune system disorders, common colds and influenza, vitamin deficiencies and smoking.^2,6 New theories regarding the etiology of MS — such as genetic code changes, gut flora and chronic stress — are currently under investigation.^7,8

Common physical symptoms include pain, vision problems, motor impairment and fatigue.^2,9 Severe symptoms may involve bladder and bowel problems, sexual dysfunction, concentration and memory problems, and depression.⁹ Facial pain — such as trigeminal neuralgia and partial facial paralysis or spasms, and difficulty with speech and swallowing — are frequently reported.^2,9 As many as 64% of patients with MS experience paresthesia, dysesthesia, hyperesthesia and anesthesia.⁹ Fatigue is the most ubiquitous complaint among individuals with MS.10 As many as 78% of patients experience severe fatigue that interferes with their daily activities.¹⁰ Among individuals with MS, 50% to 60% experience depression, and 25% to 40% develop anxiety.^1,11

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

An MS diagnosis is often determined using a system of symptom inclusion.5 Awareness of the differential diagnoses that mimic MS symptoms (e.g., Lyme disease, syphilis, human immunodeficiency virus, vasculitis, Sjögren syndrome, systemic lupus erythematous, hereditary cerebellar degeneration, vitamin deficiencies and structural damage to the CNS) may help expedite a diagnosis.⁵ If a dental patient presents with unresolved health issues, clinicians may wish to encourage the patient to visit a primary care provider.¹²

Although there is no cure for MS, a variety of medications and alternative therapies may relieve symptoms and help prevent future relapses.^1–3,7,9,13 The primary treatment goal is to slow the disease process and reduce the number and frequency of relapses.⁹ Injectable, oral and infused medications are used to treat MS (Table 1).^9,13,14 Medication therapy at the onset of an MS diagnosis can help prevent cumulative and permanent nerve damage.³ Individuals who do not comply with treatment are more likely to experience MS relapse symptoms and incur higher medical expenses than those who follow treatment protocol.³

Many individuals with MS use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) to alleviate side effects;⁹ such treatments may include relaxation therapy, cognitive training, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, acupuncture, bowel cleansings, amalgam and root canal removal, and mineral supplements.^9,15,16 Although CAM therapies may provide some relief, scientific studies substantiating their efficacy are lacking.^9,15,16 Alternative therapies that may reduce MS symptoms include the use of relaxation techniques to decrease anxiety and depression, and cognitive rehabilitation programs to improve learning, memory and the quality of daily activities.^9,15,16 Oral health professionals should inquire whether patients are using CAM during the health history to ascertain any effects on oral health or treatment planning.¹²

Drug research includes suppressing areas of the immune system that damage the CNS while allowing other areas of the immune system to function normally.¹⁷ For example, an investigation into the use of vitamin A to decrease inflammation and increase tolerance of autoimmunity is promising.¹⁸ Stem cell research may represent a low risk/high reward treatment option, especially when used in conjunction with other disease-modifying agents.19 Additionally, remyelination drug therapies are being investigated to regenerate nerves damaged by MS.^20,21

CHALLENGES TO ORAL HEALTH

Individuals with MS are at increased risk for dental caries, gingivitis and periodontitis due to the physical effects of MS, as well as these patients’ reduced immune response.^2,22 Customized dental treatment planning and customized oral hygiene regimens must be implemented.^2,12,22 Table 2  provides a potential care model when treating patients with MS.9,12,21,23 Systemic inflammation is a trigger for MS, and chronic periodontitis contributes to inflammation.^2,22 Basic periodontal treatment that removes supragingival and subgingival biofilm and calculus can reduce the inflammatory response in the entire body.^2,22 Compared to those without MS, patients with MS tend to have more extensive gingival disease and an increased number of decayed, missing or filled teeth.^5,21

Among patients with MS, physical disability is a barrier to adequate selfcare.^2,5,21 When manual dexterity is compromised, power toothbrushes or modified toothbrush handles are helpful with biofilm removal.² If dexterity, strength and/or balance are concerns, the caregiver can provide physical support by holding onto the individual’s elbow or hand. If lack of adequate oral hygiene is a concern, short, but more frequent, recare intervals may help improve oral health.²

A caries risk assessment — including defects of the hard tissue, existing restorations, fixed and removable appliances, fluoride exposure, xerostomia, diet, facial pain and reduced dexterity — can help determine a patient’s specific oral health treatment needs.2,12 In particular, nutritional counseling can help reduce caries risk.^2,12 A patient with high caries risk should be placed on a fluoride treatment plan that includes fluoride varnish application and use of at-home prescription fluoride products.^2,12

Common side effects of MS therapeutic medications include xerostomia, gingival hyperplasia, mucositis/ ulcerative stomatitis, dysgeusia, candidiasis, angular cheilitis, and reactivation of herpes viruses.^9,13 If patients are taking immunosuppressants, they may be at increased risk for opportunistic infections and cancers.²³ Patients experiencing xerostomia may need saliva substitutes and instruction on how to use these products. 9 Patients with candidiasis and/or angular cheilitis require antifungal medication, while those with herpetic lesions should receive antiviral therapy.²³ A complete list of a patient’s possible medical and oral health side effects will help determine which issues need to be addressed by the oral health professional.⁹ Toward this end, obtaining a patient’s medical and prescription information prior to the appointment is helpful.⁹ Not only does smoking contribute to the worsening of MS symptoms, it encourages progression from RRMS to PPMS.⁸ When oral health professionals provide behavioral interventions for tobacco cessation, individuals may be more likely to quit or avoid using tobacco in the first place.²⁴ Dental professionals should be prepared to direct individuals to smoking cessation resources.

Many factors need to be considered when treating patients with MS. Short morning appointments are best when providing routine dental and dental hygiene care.^2,23 Oral health professionals will need to alter treatment plans and procedures if the patient is experiencing pain, paralysis, spasticity, difficulty swallowing and/or fatigue.⁹ Most patients with MS can adequately state preferences for care and oral health values.¹¹ Those with more advanced stages of disease may need a caregiver/guardian included in discussions about oral hygiene methods and the most comfortable treatment adaptations in the dental office. In order for dental treatment to succeed, clinicians should listen attentively to the concerns expressed by the patient and/or caregiver.⁹

DENTAL OFFICE ADAPTATIONS

The entire dental team can contribute to the well being of patients with MS. Individuals experiencing mild MS symptoms are more likely to continue regular dental visits than individuals with moderate to severe MS symptoms, especially if accessing care is difficult.21 Patients diagnosed with MS may experience barriers to care, such as difficulty accessing parking, the dental office building, waiting room, dental operatory and restrooms.21 Oral health professionals can promote safety among patients with mobility issues by:

• Keeping outdoor and indoor walkways clear
• Noticing changes in the patient’s gait, mobility or dexterity
• Choosing an easy-access operatory
• Helping patients open building and restroom doors (if needed)
• Scheduling follow-up appointments in the operatory instead of the reception counter
• Remaining flexible with appointment objectives (realizing that all procedures may not be completed in one visit)
• Keeping up to date on medical transportation options
• Initiating an open dialogue as to how to improve on future appointments^1,2,9,21

CONCLUSION

Patients with MS face an array of oral health risks — not only from loss of dexterity and side effects of medications, but also from cognitive, emotional and social factors. Oral health professionals can create an environment that is conducive to patient needs and provide oral hygiene education that is appropriate for individual health concerns. By understanding the complexity and possible progression of MS symptoms, the dental team can facilitate an environment that encourages individuals with MS to seek appropriate oral health care for a lifetime.

REFERENCES

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Featured photo by RICCARDO CASSIANI-INGONI/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

From Decisions in Dentistry. February 2017;3(2):40–43.